Several items are proposed for purchase from the city’s ending fund balance including landscaping for the police memorial located outside of the police station. This year, $132,000 is available for use on one-time expenditures that were previously a part of the budget discussion.
The city is required to maintain a 25 percent ending fund balance in the general fund. Any amount more than the required 25 percent is then available to be used for one-time purchases.
“It is available to spend without any harm to our budgets,” Director of Finance and Development Bryan Friedman said.
The landscaping at the police memorial will cost $20,000 and include a flag pole, landscaping and signage.
The police officers had purchased a flag pole wanting to do some work out here where the memorial is,” City Administrator Bob Knabel said. “There is a desire to kind of set that aside similar to what we have at the fire department.”
Also on the list for the police department at two in-car computers for $17,000, a copy machine for $7,000 and carpeting and painting of the police station budgeted at $25,000.
Knabel said that he spoke with Police Chief Rob Burdes who said that it would be not necessary to purchase any new vehicles for the department this year.
“After talking with Police Chief Rob Burdess, they believe their vehicles are of such mileage that they can go another year,” Knabel said.
Council Member Craig Trotter asked if there was any trade-in value for replacing them prior to them topping out on mileage. Knabel said yes but the care are typically re-purposed to the fire department or another city entity, having value that way.
Other projects to be paid for from the ending fund balance include the third and final phase of updating the council chamber’s audio and video system for $24,500, a public works trailer to be used by the cemetery and parks divisions to transport the mini excavator and other equipment for $7,000 and fire and medical equipment for $26,000. The equipment includes turnout gear for $7,800, a pressure washer at $7,200, SCBA equipment for $6,500 and a fire hose for $4,500.
The City Council Finance Committee approved the list to be brought before the full council at a future meeting.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com